World Footy News

The board of the Barassi International Youth Tournament, with the endorsement of the AFL has announced its intention to postpone the 2008 BYT which was to be played in Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory this October.

The tournament in the past (formerly known as the Jim Stynes Cup) has seen teams from New Zealand, South Africa, Samoa, Denmark, USA and Nauru attend with other teams featuring local participants from smaller communities around Australia. Only two countries had confirmed their participation at the 2008 BYT. Others had expressed interest but were unable to commit the necessary funds.

While some junior development programs offshore are funded by the AFL, countries are required to themselves raise funds to send teams to tournaments in Australia. The organisation of the Barassi Tournament itself is made possible by private contributions and sponsorships.

With some countries expressing the desire to send U17 youth squads to the 2008 International Cup and with a growing list of nations participating in the senior tournament, it might make sense for the two tournaments to combine in future to make the most of travel packages by sending larger squads, perhaps even including a women's squad.

In the meantime, it seems that the BIAYT seeks to remain the primary youth tournament and is slated to go ahead in October 2009, however the board is initiating discussions with stakeholders concerning the future of the tournament.

While it is disappointing that this year's event is postponed, a potential 2009 tournament could help fill the international calendar between senior International Cups.